Prince Charles invited to Gallipoli

The prime ministers of New Zealand and Australia have invited Prince Charles to attend the 90th anniversary commemorations at Gallipoli in April.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard is in Wellington for talks with his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark, and both confirmed yesterday that Prince Charles had been invited.

"Of course we have, and we expect that he will attend," said Helen Clark.

Plans for the commemorations caused an uproar last week when it was revealed Helen Clark had scuppered Australian suggestions that pop singer John Farnham could sing at the event.

Helen Clark said a concert of any kind was inappropriate - a stance supported by the public on both sides of the Tasman.

Yesterday Mr Howard said commemorations would follow a traditional and familiar format, with speeches from both prime ministers.

"There are some details about the pre-commemoration activities which we are looking at and we'll be very satisfied, I'm sure, that it's appropriate and dignified," he said.

"I don't think we should start building an issue that doesn't exist."

Helen Clark said she was confident the occasion would be "solemn, dignified, appropriate".

As well as the combined commemoration, each leader would attend services at sites of particular importance to their country; Helen Clark at Chunuk Bair and Mr Howard at Lone Pine.

- NZPA